The Natural Beauty of Wooden Planters

It is hard to beat the natural beauty of wooden planters, whether it's on a small balcony or expansive patio. A well-chosen planter in long-lasting oak, teak or durable cedar will enhance any garden no matter how contemporary or sophisticated. Gone are the days of having only oak half-barrels or rough cedar boxes to choose from. Painted wood planters can be a great way to complement the exterior of your home and create a unified garden design. Avoid stains and sealers on your planters as these are usually toxic to plants. Plastic liners can extend the life of your wooden planters and planter boxes, or use them as 'cache pots' to hold potted plants and they will last longer. Another big advantage of wooden planters is that you can combine features like trellises and benches for an attractive and functional unit.

To maintain your wooden planter you should treat them with non-toxic stain and line the inside of your planters with black plastic with holes in the bottom for drainage. Wooden planters are available in a variety of woods and colours: cedar, redwood, teak, cypress and they provide great versatility for combining with other garden components such as seating, trellises or storage. Cedar planters may be used without painting or staining as they are resistant to rot. One of the advantages of wooden planters is their insulating properties. They insulate plant roots from the heat of the summer sun as well as help to protect them from the winter frost. In terms of weight and porosity they fall between plastic and clay and to extend their life span it is best to line them or set already potted plants inside.Wood is the choice for those who like planters with a natural affinity with nature and are interested in products from renewable sources. However, if you chose a planter that is made from less expensive timbers rather than, say oak or cedar for example, more regular maintenance will be required.

Wood is a great insulator and keeps the roots of your plants nice and cool. You can plant right in it or use it as a way to dress up (actually, to hide) homely cheap pots. If you're looking for longevity remember - the flimsier the wood the shorter its life. Heavier is better. Easy to paint - change planter colours and your container garden style without replacing your planters. Experiment until you create a fantastic composition. Easy to carry - while not as light as plastic pots, ideal for large plants. Consider wooden planters when you wish to move containers frequently. Protecting plants from extreme temperatures. In summer, wooden planters warm up less than other pot types, so the roots are protected from heat. In winter, wooden boxes protect plants. Wooden planters are also environmentally friendly from a renewable resource unlike plastic for example.

The author been a automotive engineer for many years but his main interest is gardening. He has for a number of years combined his love of gardening with his design and engineering skills to start a business designing and manufacturing garden products. His whole family-who also share a love of gardening-are now involved in the business in one capacity or another. The name of the company is: The Lichfield Planter Company